The Health Professions Council (HPC) is a UK-wide regulator created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001 with a specific remit to protect the public. To do this, we set standards, approve courses which lead to registration, keep a register of professionals who meet the standards and take action against registered professionals who fall below the standards.
As you may already know, paramedics need to renew their registration with the HPC every 2 years to remain on the HPC register and continue to practice using the protected title ‘paramedic’. Registration shows that you meet the HPC's standards for paramedics and demonstrates to the public that you are ft to practice. Here is some information about renewing your registration with the HPC.
How do I renew my registration with the HPC?
In early June 2011, we will send a registration renewal form to all paramedics on the register. All sections of this form needs to be filled in, signed and returned to the HPC with the renewal payment.
Every registrant must do two things to make sure their name stays on the HPC register:
We also stress that registrants must be sure to pay and sign. Even if the direct debit payment comes out of your account, you still need to complete and sign the renewal form.
All registrants are required to pay their renewal fee and return their signed and completed renewal form to the HPC as soon as possible but no later than the 31 August 2011 to make sure their name stays on the register.
‘The HPC launched a new online system last year which enables registrants to renew their registration and pay their registration fee securely’
Why not renew online?
The HPC launched a new online system last year, which enables registrants to renew their registration and pay their registration fee securely without the need to contact us. Renewing your registration online is quick and easy and eliminates the risk of your renewal form being lost in transit. You can also change your address and other contact details if necessary and download a direct debit instruction should you wish to change to this method of payment.
To access the system, log on to the HPC website at www.hpc-uk.org and click on the ‘My Account’ link in the bar at the top of the home page.
Before using the system, you will need to activate your online account. You can do this using your exclusive activation code. We will send you a reminder of your activation code at the start of your renewal period. Once you have activated your account, you will be able to access the system using your authentication code. A reminder of your authentication code will also be sent to you at the start of your renewal period. Your most recent registration card also carries your authentication code.
How much will my renewal cost?
The annual renewal fee is £76 per year or £152 for 2 years (or less if a new registrant qualifies for the reduced rate). The amount that each registrant is required to pay will be indicated on their renewal form. To help spread the cost of registration over the 2-year registration cycle, registrants can pay in instalments by direct debit. We will then deduct £38 (or less if a registrant is paying the reduced rate) on specific dates over the 2-year registration cycle.
More information about paying by direct debit along with the installment dates will be sent to all registrants with their renewal form. Payment can also be made by cheque or money/ postal order; however, if paying by this method, the full amount must be sent to the HPC with the renewal form.
Continuing professional development
All registrants must carry out continuing professional development (CPD) and sign the renewal form to confirm they are undertaking CPD each time they renew their registration.
As you will be aware 2.5% of paramedics will be audited to check our CPD standards are being met. Those randomly selected for audit will receive a separate letter shortly after their renewal notices are sent out. For more information on our standards, and about how to fill in your CPD profile as well as guidance notes for writing the profile, please visit the CPD page on our website. You can also download our brochure ‘your guide to our standards for continuing professional development’ which features information about the audit process.
The HPC has recently launched its CPD presentation DVD online. The DVD was designed and produced to assist registrants with their understanding of the HPC requirements for CPD and prepare for the CPD audits by giving helpful tips. The DVD has received highly positive feedback from registrants which is why the HPC have now made this presentation available online. To view the presentation: http://tinyurl.com/64onvly.
Other useful information
What if I have changed my address since I last registered with HPC?
It is essential that registrants keep us informed of any change of address. Just as you would inform your bank or gas and electricity supplier if you move house, make sure you contact the HPC. If we do not have your correct address then we cannot get in touch about renewing your registration. If you lapse off the register, this not only affects your livelihood but also your manager, colleagues and, of course, patients.
If you have changed address and have not previously told us, you should contact the registration department on 0845 3004 472 (lo-call if calling from within the UK) or +44 (0)20 7840 9802. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 6 pm. You can also write to us. For security reasons, we are unable to accept notification of a change of name or address by email.
If you have not received a renewal form and have not changed your address, please contact us as soon as possible by requesting a replacement form on the website at http://tinyurl.com/4pst2lv. The form will be sent by post approximately 7 days later.
‘2.5% of paramedics will be audited to check our CPD standards are being met.’
How long will it take for HPC to process my renewal?
Once received, we will process renewal forms in approximately 5 to 7 working days. When a renewal form has been processed and a payment has been made, the HPC online register is immediately updated to show the new registration dates (1 September 2011–31 August 2013). The register is in real-time and is therefore the best way for registrants to check that their form has been processed. The register can be viewed at: www.hpc-uk.org/register.
All registrants will be sent a certificate and authentication card once their renewal form and payment has been received and successfully processed. We urge practitioner psychologists to send in their renewal forms as soon as possible as it allows time to resolve any issues arising well before the deadline. So do not leave it to the last minute.
Returners to practice
All registrants need to confirm whether or not they have practiced their profession since they last renewed their registration.
For the purposes of renewing registration, or determining whether our return to practice requirements need to be met, we have defined ‘practising your profession’ as drawing on your professional skills and/or knowledge in the course of your work.
If you have been out of practice for more than 2 years you will need to undertake a period of updating your skills and knowledge before you can become re-registered. To find out more about our ‘returners to practice requirements’, please visit our website: http://tinyurl.com/6dtcoqw.
What happens if you are no longer practicing your profession?
If you do not need to be registered with us, you can make an application for the removal of your name from the register. This application must be made in writing and should be accompanied by a declaration stating that you are not aware of any matter which could give rise to an allegation being made against you.
If you do not wish to renew your registration, and you currently pay your fee by direct debit, you must call us before the first instalment date. You must also tell your bank that you wish to cancel the direct debit instruction. This will ensure that the amount is not deducted from your bank account.
Conclusion
For further information about the HPC registration renewal process, you can visit the website or contact the registration department via email on: registration@hpc-uk.org or by phone on: 0845 3004 472 (lo-call if calling from within the UK) or +44 (0)20 7840 9802. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm.